When someone’s employment status changes, it can also affect their marital relationship. In some cases, it can increase the odds that they will get divorced.
For instance, some studies have found a link between job loss and divorce. When a person is laid off or fired, or when their place of business closes, the odds of divorce increase.
In some cases, the issue is the added financial pressure this puts on a couple. Financial stress can strain their romantic relationship and cause them to eventually get divorced. In other cases, the issue is that one person may struggle to hold down a consistent job, so there is a pattern of behavior where they consistently lose their job, and their spouse finally decides to move on.
An increased commute
Similarly, even changing to a new job can put strain on the relationship. Some studies find that the odds of divorce jump by 40% when someone takes a job where they have a commute that is over 45 minutes long.
But this is generally true when it is a relatively recent change. When couples have been dealing with a long commute for five years or more, there is not nearly as much impact on their divorce odds. But when it is a recent change where someone is suddenly spending far more time at work than they are at home, that can lead to the end of their marriage.
It is important to consider the links between employment and divorce, as these red flags could indicate that a divorce is coming in the future. Couples in this position need to know what legal steps to take as they prepare.
